Torque Converter Impeller Activation for Hybrid Vehicle Launch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicles experience reduced performance and slower acceleration when parked for extended periods due to torque converter fluid drainage, leading to inconsistent launch performance and energy inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A powertrain operating method that uses a controller to rotate the torque converter impeller during vehicle activation if the soak time indicates low fluid levels to replenish fluid, and not rotate it if fluid levels are sufficient, optimizing torque transfer and conserving energy based on vehicle soak time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the torque converter impeller is rotated during vehicle activation after extended soak time, then fluid is replenished and torque transfer performance is improved, but energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque converter torque transfer performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption during vehicle activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of fluid level in the torque converter before vehicle activation and selectively rotates the impeller only when fluid level is below the threshold. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring adequate fluid level for proper torque transfer when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (impeller rotation) based on the fluid level parameter. When fluid level drops below the threshold after extended soak time, the impeller is rotated to replenish fluid; when fluid level is sufficient, rotation is avoided to conserve energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the torque converter impeller is not rotated during vehicle activation after short soak time, then energy is conserved, but torque transfer performance may be insufficient if fluid level is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conservation during vehicle activationVSAvoidtorque converter torque transfer performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from fluid level sensing (via soak time indication) to control impeller rotation. The controller continuously monitors whether the soak time indicates low fluid level and adjusts impeller rotation accordingly, ensuring torque transfer performance is maintained only when necessary while conserving energy when fluid levels are adequate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the vehicle activation sequence always rotates the torque converter impeller, then torque transfer performance is ensured, but energy is wasted when fluid levels are sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent torque transfer performanceVSAvoidunnecessary energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary assessment of fluid level conditions before initiating impeller rotation during vehicle activation. By checking whether soak time indicates low fluid levels first, the system avoids unnecessary rotation and energy waste while ensuring rotation occurs only when needed for proper torque transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If the vehicle activation sequence never rotates the torque converter impeller, then energy is conserved, but launch performance becomes inconsistent after extended soak periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conservationVSAvoidvehicle launch performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the impeller rotation parameter based on the fluid level indicator (soak time). When soak time exceeds the threshold indicating low fluid levels, the impeller is rotated to replenish fluid and ensure consistent launch performance. When soak time is below the threshold, rotation is skipped to conserve energy, maintaining performance consistency only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach maintains consistent hybrid vehicle launch performance across varying soak times while conserving energy by recognizing the torque converter's capacity for torque transfer without initial rotation, applicable to various hybrid vehicle configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a torque converter (206) coupled to the ISG, the torque converter including an impeller (285) and a turbine (286)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS10857993B2Methods and system activating a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, the integrated starter/generator may rotate a torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time exceeds a threshold. The integrated starter/generator may not rotate the torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time is less than the threshold.